by Anne-Marie Emerson
Patea police are praising a New Plymouth man who rescued a boy swept out to sea at the Patea River mouth on Monday.
Constable Kerry Daly said two 11-year-olds were body boarding at the bar when they were dragged out to sea by the outgoing tide.
"One ditched his board and was able to get back to shore, but the other was swept out - so far out we had to use binoculars to see him."
Mr Daly said Justin Selby, a New Plymouth whitebaiter and surfer, was staying at the Patea camp.
"When he heard of the young fella's plight he hopped on his board and paddled out to rescue him."
It took Mr Selby two hours to bring the boy back to shore.
Mr Daly said Mr Selby's actions were very impressive.
"He didn't have to do what he did, but obviously we are very grateful to him."
The rescued boy was taken to Hawera Hospital, treated for exhaustion and discharged yesterday.
Mr Daly said the two boys and their parents who were at the beach with the boys - had done nothing wrong.
"It was just one of those things.
"The bar is usually quite safe for children, but in the sea there is always potential for danger."
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